[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Nigerian Army has inducted, operationalised 4 newly acquired Mine Resistant Anti Ambush Protected vehicles(MRAPs) in the North East theatre of operation to enhance fire power & protection of troops fighting Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) Terrorists.
The vehicles were unveiled on Tuesday at the Army Headquarters in Maigumeri super camp in Maiduguri by the Chief of Army Staff [COAS], Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai who was represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh.
Recall that the Nigerian Army in partnership with Proforce Nigeria Limited, an indigenous Armour Vehicle Manufacturing Company based in Ode-Remo in Ogun State had delivered the first ever Nigerian Army -Proforce locally manufactured MRAPs, four of which were inaugurated on August 1, 2019 by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
He, however warned that deploying the equipment without strong will and determination by men, cannot win war.
“You must therefore remain resolute in the discharge of your duties while strengthening your commitment to end this war in no distant time.
“Let me assure you that we shall continue to give due priority and attention to specialised training as well as improve welfare for effective employment of special forces.
“You will recall that the Nigerian Army Special Forces Command was established recently to coordinate deployment and employment of all Special Forces across the country.
“This has brought about effective and efficient utilisation of special forces within the theatre of operation.
“The recent recapture of Baga by the special forces is most instructive in this regard,” he said.
While commending efforts of the special forces, Buratai said their acts of gallantry, selfless sacrifice and professional conduct had been instrumental to numerous successes recorded by the army in recent time against Boko Haram Terrorists.
He pledged that the army authorities would not stop at providing them the needed equipment, training and resources to deliver on thier mandates in the defence of the nation.
Earlier, the Commander, Special Forces Command, Maj.-Gen. Mhounday Ali, said the provision of the MRAPs would spur the command to ensure that remnants of ISWAP and Boko Haram were swept off Nigeria’s territory. He said the command had resolved since its establishment in 2018 to look inward in fabricating the needed weapons and vehicle spares.
According to him, the command has also resolved that the hunt for ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists and their leaders will continue to soar until it is brought to an end in favour of the country.“The provisions of these dearly required armoured vehicles has further buttressed the Chiefs unflinching support to the command.
“It is against this backdrop that, I on behalf of officers and men of the command wish to reiterate our commitment and assurance that, we will not relent in our effort to shape the battle situation in the theatre.
“To my Muslim brothers in whose honour we are gathered this morning, I pray that, Allah will answer our supplications, give us the strength, wisdom and knowledge to execute this war to a logical end in our time.
“I also pray that God Almighty will forgive and grant our colleagues who have paid the supreme price in the course of this war against the terrorists,” he said.
By : Emeji Noble